COAL MINE DISPUTE

Grey River Argus, 10 March 1933, Page 5

COAL MINE DISPUTE

OWNERS AND MINERS CONFER. (Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, March 9. At the request of the Minister for Labour (the Hon. Adam Hamilton), representatives of the coal-owners and 'he miners met in the Conciliation Commissioner’s rooms, yssterday, in a endeavour to end tho dispute that has kept the Southland mines idle since October of last year. The discussion was of an informal nature, and was taken in committee. Mr T. O Bishop, secretary of the New Zealand Coal Owners’ Federation, stated the miners’ representatives had asked that reconsideration should be given to five points in the proposals submitted by the owners at the previous conference. Briefly they were:—(l) The right of mine owners to let work by contract; (2) rates for piecework; (3) the question of trucking by miners; (4) the “hire and and fire” clause which reserved the right to* the employers to shorten hands as might be necessary; (5) a safeguarding clause to secure coal being filled reasonably free from dross Those attending the conference were: Employees, Messrs J. Smcaton (president), A. McLagau (secretary. United Mine Workers of New Zealand). Edmonds, Prcndoville, and Donaldson (Southland Mines)'; employers, Messrs T. O. Bishop (the 1-ed-eration). 11. McAlister (Linton), W. Excell (Wairaki), and W. Crawford (Mossbank).

The result of the conference was that the miners’ representatives de tided to submit the matter, as far as it has gone, to thoir unions on Sunday.